Psychosomatics 22: 1017-1027, 1981
Copyright
© 1981 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
The basics of cognitive therapy
ANNA ROSE CHILDRESS Ph.D.1, and
DAVID D. BURNS M.D.2
1 Clinical psychologist, department of psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
2 Clinical assistant professor, department of psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
The authors explain the principles of cognitive therapy. The theory behind this therapeutic approach—that thoughts influence feelings—is exemplified with illustrative quotations, descriptions, and a tabular presentation of various forms of cognitive distortion that lead to depression and anxiety. Similarly, a step-by-step outline of treatment is amplified by a brief case report and pertinent, clinically useful tabular material, including a form for patients' daily recordings of dysfunctional thoughts. The author points out the value of cognitive therapy when it is used in conjunction with other approaches.
